4. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - Faculties submissions

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    The use of 4IR technology in accelerating net zero transition in the South African mining industry
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Belur, Ramaprasad Deepak; Lee, Gregory John
    This quantitative study aimed to assess the impact of fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technology adoption on the ability of South African mining companies to accelerate their transition to net zero, focusing specifically on the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. There has been an urgent need to research the nature of association, and if so, the impact of such association between rate of adoption of 4IR technology's ability to accelerate net zero transition, given the new challenges in the South African mining sector in the wake of the phase 2 carbon tax regime. Through a comprehensive survey, desktop analysis and subsequent statistical analysis involving multiple mining entities across South Africa, this study investigated the direct and indirect relationships between 4IR technology maturity and the efficacy of GHG emission reduction strategies, thereby accelerating net zero transition. The study revealed a complex relationship between 4IR maturity and GHG emissions, moderated by organisations' access to financial and skill resources. Contrary to expectations, no significant direct indirect linear relationship was found between aspects of 4IR maturity and GHG emissions. The research suggests a moderate, statistically insignificant negative association, which becomes more pronounced and statistically significant when considering organisations' financial status and employee size. The study was conducted using a cross-sectional method using a non- experimental approach and focused on establishing the corelation between two key variables namely, 4IR maturity and acceleration of net zero transition through GHG reduction. The causality of these two variables was not investigated. The study was undertaken by choosing a sample which was representative of the JSE listed mining companies. Hence extended population of global mining organisation needs to consider specific regional considerations before generalising the findings. iii By emphasising the crucial relationship between technological innovation and climate change mitigation, these findings not only advance our understanding of technology's role in environmental sustainability within the mining sector, but also provide useful information to industry stakeholders, policymakers, and sustainability strategists. This work offers a fundamental structure for subsequent investigations and tactical planning with the objective of harnessing 4IR developments to promote a more ecologically conscious and sustainable mining sector in South Africa
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    Perceived barriers to digitalization by small-scale farmers Gauteng Province
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Choguya, Donald
    Digitalization in the fourth industrial revolution era has transformed many industries across the board. However, there are some that have been affected more than the others as depicted in the digital vortex. Lagging is the agricultural sector. This study was a quantitative research study that utilized a sample of 40 small-scale farmers to be representative of the Gauteng Province small-scale farmers. The research related the perceived barriers to digitalization and its impact to the agricultural activities of small-scale farmers in Gauteng Province. The data was analysed using the multiple regression analysis and correlation coefficient. Analysis of the results showed a massive gap between small-scale farmers and commercial farmers on the adoption of digitalization. Further analysis indicated that small-scale farmers were less likely to be impacted by digitalization to adopt technological utilization. It was also found that small-scale farmers were contributors to food production. Finally, it was also discovered that small-scale farmers were less established to adapt and adopt to digitalization in their agricultural activities due to various barriers. The recommendations were that there was need to do more research to find ways to bridge the gap to digitalization between small-scale farmers in Gauteng Province and commercial farmers. So that small-scale farmers in Gauteng Province especially the small-scale farmers in rural areas could also be exposed to the digitalization of operations to enable them to improve production
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    The effects of COVID 19 on consumer mobile and online purchase behaviour
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Chanetsa, Edphan Peter; Saini, Yvonne K.
    There obtains an acute paucity of research on the how Covid-19 impacted consumer online and mobile application purchase behaviour in South Africa. Much of the work done on the impact of the pandemic on consumer behaviour has primarily focused on one aspect: online purchase behaviour. This study sought to assess the effects of the restrictions of the novel Covid-19 virus on consumer mobile and online purchase behaviour. The main objective was to understand the impact of Covid-19 related restrictions on mobile application purchase intention in grocery shopping. Similarly, the study also sought to understand the impact of Covid-19 related restrictions on online (desktop/laptop) purchase intention in grocery shopping. An online survey was conducted wherein 345 responses were obtained. The study employed a mixed methodology approach with the primary analysis being done quantitatively employing path analysis to establish the existence of causal links between Covid-19 restrictions and consumer behaviour in terms of both direction and magnitude. Regression analysis was further carried out to corroborate the findings of the path analysis. The qualitative aspect of the analysis was primarily employed to buttress the results of the quantitative analysis. The results showed that Covid-19 had a significant and positive impact on mobile and online consumer behaviour in South Africa. The advent of the pandemic caused an increase in the uptake of alternative means of making grocery purchases. Specifically, the institution of Covid-19 restrictions produced a substitution effect wherein digital purchase platforms were preferred to in-store purchases of groceries. Consequently, all the hypotheses developed by the study proved to be robust as they were confirmed by the results
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    Investigating the determinants of Digital Financial Inclusion in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Betha, Tshegofatso; Ndlovu, C.
    Digital Financial Inclusion has emerged as a prominent global agenda, necessitating an exploration of the transformative influence of technology on financial service accessibility. Previous research has attempted to uncover the true factors that impact Digital Financial Inclusion, however, there is further opportunity to better understand the underlying factors. To contribute to the body of knowledge, this study seeks to uncover factors of successful Digital Financial Inclusion that may contribute towards the implementation of key strategies. To achieve this goal, the study employs a multidimensional financial inclusion framework that explores the impact of access, barriers, and usage on Digital Financial Inclusion. Additionally, it expands the framework to include digital readiness and financial literacy, enhancing the depth of the investigation. Utilising a quantitative approach, data for the study was obtained through a self- administered online survey, yielding 231 valid responses for analysis. The Structural Equation Model (SEM) was used to investigate the relationship between user readiness, financial literacy, barriers, access, usage, and Digital Financial Inclusion. The findings indicate insufficient statistical evidence to suggest a significant relationship between user readiness, access and barriers, and Digital Financial Inclusion. However, the study underscores that financial literacy and usage have a positive and significant influence on Digital Financial Inclusion. To enhance Digital Financial Inclusion, financial literacy and usage should be leveraged as key drivers for adoption. Additionally, policy makers, financial service providers and technology developers need to focus on targeted interventions, and inclusive regulatory frameworks
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    Enhancing Women Entrepreneurship in the Agricultural Sector within the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Zondi, Nokubonga Happy; Mazonde, Nomusa
    The research aimed to explore the multifaceted aspects of enhancing women entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector in the dynamic KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. The investigation explored the role played by women in the sector, challenges they face and potential strategies to foster their empowerment and success. A qualitative research approach was adopted for the research. The research engaged with 20 women entrepreneurs actively participating in agricultural pursuits within the KwaZulu-Natal Province. This research reveals that women-led agricultural enterprises contribute to the socio- economic landscape of KwaZulu-Natal. These women-led enterprises also emerge as crucial drivers to poverty alleviation, creation of job opportunities, and ensuring food security within households. However, persistent challenges pose hurdles to their endeavours, including limited access to resources, social and cultural barriers, limited education and skills, lack of information, and limited access to markets. . While government support initiatives have been put in place, the research emphasizes that lack of skills, which is a crucial factor, remains inadequately addressed. The research puts forth a number of recommendations including on-farm training programs, coaching or mentorship initiatives, and training workshops. All these factors are identified as integral components of intervention strategies.
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    Final-year medical students' experiences and perceptions of integrated primary care learning at decentralised training sites during the COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed-methods study
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-09) Ruch, Aviva; George, Ann; Francis, Joel
    Background: There is limited data on the effectiveness of online learning to augment theory and clinical knowledge and skills across decentralised training (DCT) sites. This study explored the 2021 cohort of final-year medical students’ experiences and perceptions of the integrated primary care (IPC) online teaching and learning across five DCT sites affiliated with the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa. This information is essential to determine what online IPC teaching and learning should be retained and what adjustments are needed to enhance and standardise IPC online learning across our DCT sites. IPC is a final-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBCH) subject at Wits University. The subject focuses on primary health care, integrating Internal Medicine, Surgery, Psychiatry, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Family Medicine, Community Paediatrics and Public Health. Training across different sites poses challenges for standardising learning content and the nature and quality of patient engagement and interaction. The Covid-19 pandemic not only exacerbated the difficulties associated with decentralised teaching and learning, but also decreased student-patient interaction. The rapid shift to emergency remote teaching left teachers with limited time to prepare for online and blended teaching and highlighted shortcomings in some health-professions educators’ ability to create meaningful, authentic learning interactions. The study design was underpinned by the Technology Acceptance Model, the Community of Inquiry Model and the Theory of Self-Regulated Learning. Methods: This explanatory sequential mixed-methods design consisted of a cross-sectional online survey conducted in November 2021, followed by two focus-group discussions in December 2021. The 316 final-year medical students who had completed their IPC block were purposively sampled to participate in this study. Medical students who had not yet completed the IPC block were excluded from the study. Twenty-one closed and four open-ended questions explored the students’ perceptions of how the online materials supported their learning and augmented their clinical skills and management of patients, their challenges with learning online, and ways to improve the online-learning experience. The closed and open-ended survey answers were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics and content analysis, respectively. The results of the content analysis are presented graphically. The survey findings informed the questions asked in the focus-group discussions (n = 2 and n = 3). The discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were analysed inductively in MAXQDA. The findings are presented as thematic maps. Results: The survey response rate was 52% (164/316). The respondents were representative of the study population. Most respondents easily accessed the online content, with more than 70% accessing the online content several times a week. More than 80% found the online content logically organised; the content analysis highlighted three categories of reasons why the online content and interactions influenced their learning. The content analysis also identified three categories of reasons why the online content influenced patient management, but more than a third of respondents remained neutral when asked if the online content introduced them to new clinical skills. Quizzes and tests were the preferred learning method. The features that best supported the respondents’ online learning were grouped into five categories: ‘Range of activities’ (n = 73), ‘Content selection’ (n = 56), ‘Flexible access to content’ (n = 8), ‘Organisation of content’ (n = 4) and ‘Other’ features (n = 7). Respondents highlighted several categories that presented challenges to online learning: ‘Pedagogical issues’ (n = 30), ‘Excessive workload’ (n = 27), ‘Operational issues’ (n = 20), ‘Learning issues’ (n = 17), ‘Technical issues’ (n = 11) and ‘Unclear course expectations’ (n = 50). Participants in the focus-group discussions (FGD) concurred with many of the perceptions and experiences of the questionnaire respondents. Three themes were identified in the thematic analysis of the FGD: ‘Features supporting learning’, ‘Challenges of learning online’, and ‘Ways to improve learning’. Conclusions: The respondents and focus-group participants displayed a positive attitude to the IPC online content and interactions offered to them during the Covid-19 pandemic. Their experiences and perceptions offered insights to better support learning through practical suggestions for students and faculty, especially around faculty competency to design meaningful learning interactions, both online and blended. While this study focused on IPC, the student recommendations may apply to other subjects nationally and internationally, suggesting the need for further research into using online teaching to support clinical teaching.
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    The patterns and distribution of maxillofacial fractures at Pelonomi hospital
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-10) Mvala, Boyisile Stephen; Rikhotso, Risimati Ephraim
    Background: Despite large volumes of trauma patients treated, no study has analysed the epidemiology of craniofacial trauma at Pelonomi Hospital. Such studies could provide insight into the aetiologies and treatment modalities of maxillofacial injuries; and allow for development of strategies to ensure efficient and optimal utilization of limited health resources. Aim: To analyse the patterns and distribution of maxillofacial fractures at Pelonomi Hospital (PH). Methods: We designed and implemented a retrospective, descriptive cross-sectional study whose sample consisted of patients treated for maxillofacial fractures at PH, Frees State, South Africa, between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2019. Data was collected from the patient’s clinical and radiographic records. Variables recorded included demographic data (gender, age), aetiology of the trauma, type of fractures and type of treatment provided. The delay in treatment was determined from date of injury to the day of treatment. The referral letters were assessed to determine district from which the patients were referred. Descriptive statistics of frequency and percentage were used to analyse the data. Fischer’s exact test was used to determine the association between the independent and dependent variables. The level of significance was set at a p-value less than 0.05. Results: A total of 307 patients with craniofacial fractures were included in the study. Females constituted 21.8% (n=67) and males were by far the majority of the participants at 78.2% (n=240). Individuals in the 20-29 age group had the most maxillofacial fractures (41.2%) and majority of patients in the study were Black (81.1%). The major cause of these injuries was interpersonal violence (60.9%). Alcohol contributed in 64.50% of the injuries. The most frequent fracture was a mandible fracture (70.7%). Majority of fractures in the study were treated with closed reduction (52%) and the waiting period prior to treatment was found to be 2 weeks. Conclusion: Blunt trauma sustained under the influence of alcohol in young individuals is responsible for majority of maxillofacial fractures at Pelonomi Hospital. Future prospective studies with large patient numbers and post treatment follow up are recommended.
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    The Impact of Digital Banking Amongst South African Consumers
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Suthan, Dhivaker Navin Mahadev; Magida, Ayanda
    In light of the constant and swift evolution of digital banking, it is imperative that consumers quickly adapt to these changes. The advancements in technology are having a significant impact on businesses' strategic objectives and business models, as they are altering consumer behavior and expectations. As a result, numerous organizations have modified their business platforms in order to enhance their competitive edge by offering proximate and efficient solutions to consumers, thus influencing their approach to conducting business. This research aimed to elucidate the effects of digital banking on consumers and their inclination to modify their behavior, utilizing the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) as primary frameworks. The research methodology employed in an online survey, utilising a sample population of 240 respondents. The research effort was specifically focused on establishing if consumers are impacted, either positively or negatively due to technological advancements in digital banking. The primary data suggests that a significant number of individuals aged 46 or older in South Africa are hesitant to fully embrace digital banking. On the other hand, consumers between the ages of 18 and 45 appear more inclined to shift from traditional banks to digital-focused banks, such as Tyme Bank, Discovery Bank, or Bank Zero. The limited access to the internet in South Africa may be a factor contributing to the underutilization of digital banking by consumers.
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    Hydroponic farming for saffron cultivation in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Smit, Johan
    In South Africa, saffron has exclusively been cultivated using traditional farming methods. Although farmers face an increasing range of challenges and uncertainties, hydroponic farming offers an opportunity to alleviate many of these challenges, while simultaneously increasing output and reducing input expenses. The primary objective of the planned business venture was to investigate the possibility for hydroponic saffron farming in South Africa. The study focused on the development of a hydroponic system to cultivate saffron, aiming to mitigate the daily difficulties and risks faced by conventional farmers. The study adopted a qualitative exploratory research approach. The study gathered substantial information through interviews with farmers in both the traditional saffron and non-saffron hydroponic industries. Interviewing farmers provided insights into the perspectives of persons involved in both the traditional saffron industry and the non-saffron hydroponic growing sector. Three hydroponic cultivators and one saffron farmer were interviewed face-face. Another Saffron farmer was interviewed telephonically. The study examined the necessary requirements for hydroponic saffron cultivation in South Africa, covering technical factors for saffron cultivation, operational prerequisites, financials, market analysis, and challenges. The research findings highlighted the significance of hydroponic systems within an overall context. The main driving force for the transition from traditional farming to hydroponics was climate change among the participants. An essential challenge in hydroponic saffron growing is its relatively lower profitability compared to other crops like herbs, lettuce, and tomatoes. Including the concept of opportunity cost into the breakeven analysis will lead to a reduced repayment period, hence justifying the concept of saffron cultivation with a hydroponic system. In conclusion, cultivating saffron with hydroponics is a sustainable solution when considering opportunity costs due to the value of the spice, and the increasing uncertainty of climate change affecting output.
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    Perceived effectiveness of sugar tax on human consumption behaviour in Gauteng
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Saurombe, Witness
    Excessive intake of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with higher rates of overweight and obesity. Overweight and obesity are correlated with high risk of non-communicable diseases and increased mortality. South Africa is classified as one of the nations where individuals excessively consume sugar-sweetened beverages, leading to a rise in obesity rates and increasing healthcare expenses.South Africa implemented a sugar tax in 2018 to reduce the excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. The goal was for manufacturers to adjust their products by lowering sugar content, or for consumers to either switch to healthier options or decrease their intake of sugary drinks in response to the higher prices. This study has investigated whether the sugar tax has effectively changed the consumption behaviour of sugar-sweetened beverages among Gauteng residents. It also examines the impact of knowledge about the sugar taxand health awareness campaigns on consumption behaviour. A quantitative cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted by administering a self-assisted online questionnaire to 140 participants in Gauteng who were selected using convenience and snowballing sampling technique. The data collected was examined using Chi-square in the Statistical Package for Social Pre-programming. The study found insignificant association between sugar tax and consumption behaviour. Additionally, knowledge about sugar tax and health awareness programmes were also found to insignificantly impacted consumption behaviour. Only 18% of Gauteng people altered their consumption behaviour due to the sugar tax, as indicated by the results. 42% of participants altered their consuming habits upon being diagnosed with Non-Communicable Diseases(NCDs). The sugar tax was considered ineffectual in altering human consumption behaviour in Gauteng.